Jamal Blackman of Sheffield United (27) during the EFL Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest at Bramall Lane, Sheffield, England on 17 March 2018. Picture by Mick Haynes.

Latest Leeds United signing chose Whites over former club

Jamal Blackman of Sheffield United (27) during the EFL Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest at Bramall Lane, Sheffield, England on 17 March 2018. Picture by Mick Haynes.

Earlier today, Leeds United confirmed the signing of Jamal Blackman on a season long loan deal, with the 24-year-old completing a move from Premier League side Chelsea.

Blackman becomes the third new arrival at Elland Road this season, following the arrivals of Lewis Baker and Leif Davis.

Davis will link up with the under 23 squad, while Baker is joining up with the first team for the 2018/19 season.

Jamal Blackman was a long term target for Leeds United, who were desperate to bring in a goalkeeper to compete with Bailey Peacock-Farrell for the number one spot at Elland Road.

Blackman enjoyed a successful spell on loan at Leeds’ Sky Bet Championship rivals Sheffield United last season, demonstrating his ability to perform in the second tier of English football.

And it seems that the Blades were interested in bringing Blackman back, but he decided that Leeds were the best option.

As quoted by HITC, Blackman told BBC Radio Leeds: “We had a few other clubs talking about me, so it’s quite a big decision from me going forward, with trying to get as close as possible to Chelsea’s first team. Leeds was probably my best option.

“We spoke to Sheffield United, they wanted to evaluate their options. We said it was time to see what happens. Anything can happen in football so you never did know what was going to happen.”

His decision to move to Leeds United was influenced by several Chelsea players, with Blackman confirming that several people at Stamford Bridge told him not to give up the chance to work under Marcelo Bielsa.